Aquatera gets new CEO starting September

Aquatera Utilities Inc. announced Friday that Vaughn Bend will now serve as new CEO of the company as of Sept. 2.

New to the team, Bend is bringing with him 25 years of leadership experience positioned in both Canada and the United States, as well as and extensive history in the power, mining and manufacturing industries.

“We are excited to have Vaughn join our Aquatera family,” said interim board chair Jim Smith in a release.

“As CEO, Vaughn will be working closely with the board of directors and shareholders to ensure our ongoing sustainability and ability to provide essential services for all of Aquatera’s customers and communities.”

Bend’s experience is further backed by a civil engineering degree from the University of Manitoba, and environmental and water resources technology diploma from the Saskatchewan Institute of Arts and Sciences, as well as executive education from the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Banff Centre and Queens University.

“We are pleased to see the extensive experience and business background Vaughn brings to the Aquatera leadership team,” said Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given in a release.

“We look forward to his contributions, ideas and insights.”

Sexsmith Mayor Kate Potter also noted in the release that Bend’s diverse background in work experience and education will make him a great asset both to Aquatera and the town.

Bend said in a release he is “honoured and excited” to be taking over as CEO of Aquatera and looks forward to lending his knowledge and experience to leading the company.

“I’m thrilled to make Grande Prairie my home and look forward to seeing what the future holds,” said Bend.